With fewer people traveling, rental car companies are lowering the size of their fleets. These smaller fleets are forcing the leisure traveler to spend more to rent a car. The effect is not as noticeable to corporate travelers. Their companies have contracts with the rental companies to secure lower rates.

According to the article, a week long car rental has gone up an average of 36% since last year for midsize and compact rentals at major car rental companies at major airport locations. A representative from Enterprise says that its rates are up “less than 5%” from last year, but the data doesn’t lie.

This rate increase has led to an increase in support for lesser known companies, such as EZ Rent-A-Car. Consumers are finding lower rates with the smaller companies. They may not offer all of the amenities of the major rental companies, but the prices usually offset those amenities.

Travelated recommends that you examine all of your options before renting your next car. Do your research and it will pay off in the end.

Source: USA Today